"My how time flies", my grandmother used to always say. My grandmother was a little over 100 years old when she passed away so I always thought of this saying as an older persons saying. Guess who is evidently an older person now? Or at least feeling very much like an older person! 

It's not just me. On a nearly daily basis I over hear some version of this same statement, especially this time of year. Why is it that the holidays always seem to sneak up on us?

Even as organized as I pride myself on being (almost to a fault if that is possible) this time of year is still always somewhat stressful. 

The tree(s), the lights, the shopping, the shipping, the cards, the parties, the cooking, the cleaning, etc., etc. It can become overwhelming and stressful to the best of us AND can at times bring out the worst in us. 

Staying organized and working from a list (or several list as it may be) is a life saver for me. Do not put off what you can do today! Putting off only adds to the stress and snowballs into a whole new beast.

I am by nature very list and task driven. For those who are not, just try it. It may just save you from a lot of panic attacks this holiday season. 

Pick a day (or weekend) to put the tree and outside decorations up. Another day to do nothing but wrap all of your gifts, write and send your Christmas or holiday cards, another day to do nothing but get all of your packages shipped, etc. I try every year to start my shopping very early, I mean like no later than October 1st. Sometimes even months before that if I run across just the right gifts for someone. I actually found the perfect gifts for my sister- in -law back during the summer. I keep a list of all gifts I have already bought and things I am looking to buy and mark them off the list as I go along. Sometimes these gifts change as I'm out shopping and find something I like better than I had on the list but at least I have a goal and an idea to work off the list from. 

With any luck and a bit of planning (don't forget your LISTS), you will be kicking back, relaxing and actually enjoying your holidays this year a good week or so before the big day. Find a good book, put your feet up and enjoy a stress free holiday this year for a change. 

Cheers~